The Yahoo Christmas Group

Friday, July 29, 2016

We've all heard the phrase, "Like Father, Like Son" or "Like Mother, Like Daughter". Well, this weekend actor James Denton works alongside his son Sheppard (who has caught the acting bug, just like his Father) in the premiere of the Hallmark Channel original movie:

That certainly is a grand compliment, as I'm sure this Hallmark Story will do our military proud.

Storyline via Hallmark: When a recently retired military officer Colonel is tapped by his old friend to take over the military division to help save declining Stone Creek Academy, he immediately clashes with.... Click here to read more!

This Movie, along with several other Hallmark Films, proves that Hallmark is, indeed, all about Family!

For instance, already this year, Lisa Whelchel worked alongside her daughter Clancy Cauble, in the Hallmark Channel "Spring Fling" movie "Hearts of Spring"!

image courtesy: Hallmark Crown Media

Candace Cameron Bure's daughter Natasha Bure, did not appear on screen, but she sang a song for her mother's Christmas movie "A Christmas Detour". (watch special video of the song, here!) I wouldn't be surprised if we see more of Natasha - with her Mother!

Jane Seymour starred alongside her daughter Katherine Flynn in the popular Christmas movie "A Royal Christmas". They did not portray mother and daughter, but their characters had a close history, and their connection was ideal for the story.

image: Hallmark Crown Media

Now, these next two break the rules (just a little!).

This time, it's actress Lauren Holly working alongside her son Azer Greco in the sweet Hallmark Family Christmas movie: "The Town Christmas Forgot".

image: Hallmark Crown Media

And, Gabriel Hogan's parents are both actors: Michael and Susan Hogan, who starred together in the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries movie "The Christmas Secret". As for working with Gabriel, his Mother Susan starred in one of the "Murder She Baked" movies- "Murder She Baked: A Chocolate Chip Cookie Mystery" - with her son! If you haven't seen it, I must tell you - they did not portray mother and son. (Side note: Michael and Susan Hogan, however, have portrayed Gabriel's character: Peter Morris' parents in the television series, "Heartland")

Thursday, July 28, 2016

On Wednesday, June 27, 2016, Crown Media rolled out the red carpet, and invited those who are starring in upcoming Hallmark Projects, along with media, etc... to attend a semi-annual gathering where they celebrate and announce what is to come on both the Hallmark Channel and the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries networks!

All images courtesy of Crown Media Family Networks

Typically, each year there is a lovely theme honoring something very special coming to Hallmark, and this time around it was "Summer at the Shore", celebrating the first season of Chesapeake Shores, which is arriving next month on their network - the Hallmark Channel!

So now... let's dive in below to what is coming to Hallmark very soon!!!

Stars Include James Brolin, Mena Suvari and Wendy Malick BEVERLY HILLS, CA – July 27 – Hallmark Movies & Mysteries unveils its blockbuster annual holiday-themed programming event, “Most Wonderful Movies of Christmas,” with an unprecedented 1500 hours of holiday movies airing Friday, October 28 - Saturday, Dec. 31. The 24/7 holiday schedule will feature the world premiere of three new Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Originals, “Pair of Jacks” (wt) with James Brolin (“Life in Pieces”), Mena Suvari (“Chicago Fire”) and Giselle Eisenberg (“Life in Pieces”); “Finding Father Christmas” with Wendy Malick (“Hot in Cleveland”) and Erin Krakow (“Army Wives,” “When Calls the Heart”) and “Operation Christmas” with Tricia Helfer (“Battlestar Galactica”), Marc Blucas (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) and Lisa Durupt (“Murder She Baked”). The announcement was made today to a semi-annual gathering of the Television Critics Association in Beverly Hills.

Additionally, the network’s annual Happy Yule Log will burn brightly from Christmas Eve through Christmas morning. Featuring appearances by Crown Media Family Networks’ rescue animal ambassadors Happy the Cat and Happy the Dog, the adorable duo will stretch and cozy up by the fire to timeless, seasonal favorites for families to enjoy as they open gifts and create cherished keepsake memories.

“Hallmark Movies & Mysteries is offering the most original holiday movie premieres in the history of the network,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks. “We’re also thrilled to be the exclusive home of more titles than ever before as well as perennial, holiday favorites to help our viewers get into the spirit of the season.”

Following are descriptions of three of the seven upcoming original holiday movie premieres:

‘PAIR OF JACKS’ (wt) Stars: James Brolin (“Life in Pieces”), Mena Suvari (“American Horror Story”), Giselle Eisenberg (“Life in Pieces”) Jackie Foster (Suvari), a dynamic Assistant District Attorney and single mom, is looking forward to wrapping up her latest case and spending Christmas with Gracie (Eisenberg), her adorable and precocious, eight-year old daughter. But when Jackie’s estranged dad, Jack (Brolin), a gruff retired police officer, unexpectedly shows up at her door, they will be forced to confront old wounds. Tensions rise when Jack brings Nose, a mischievous former police dog, into Jackie’s orderly home. Though Jack had planned on quickly passing through, Gracie convinces him to stay until Christmas. Despite the baggage he brings, Jack and Jackie begin to work through their issues and she finds the possibility of an unlikely romance with a detective friend of Jack’s. As they experience the magic of Christmas together, they attempt to let go of their past and celebrate this loving holiday the way Jackie always dreamed.

‘FINDING FATHER CHRISTMAS’ Stars: Wendy Malick (“Hot in Cleveland”), Erin Krakow (“When Calls the Heart”), Niall Matter (“Eureka”) Christmas for Miranda is a painful reminder of the family she never had. Her mother died when she was young, never revealing the identity of her father. But, three days before Christmas, she unexpectedly receives a clue as to the whereabouts that takes her to a beautiful New England town where she meets Ian, a young man who helps with her search. As the clues lead to her father's identity and Miranda discovers the possibility of love in Ian, and she learns that her father lived in the small town and now she knows his family (her brother and her biological father's wife). She faces a terrible decision... Should she share the truth and risk losing the family she has just found, or leave and keep the secret forever? This Christmas promises to be life-changing for Miranda with a new chance at life and love."

‘OPERATION CHRISTMAS’ Stars: Tricia Helfer (“Battlestar Galactica), Marc Blucas (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) and Lisa Durupt (“Murder She Baked”) As her new romance blossoms, a single mother is dismayed when her boyfriend, a military sergeant, is deployed right before Christmas. Determined to not let it ruin the holidays for her and her children they decide to give back to the struggling military families on his base and, as their efforts go viral, they are rewarded in ways they never imagined.

*EXCERPT via Hallmark Press Release:

FOUR NEW, ORIGINAL WORLD PREMIERE MOVIES SHOWCASED
DURING HALLMARK CHANNEL’S
‘FALL HARVEST’ PROGRAMMING EVENT
New Original Movie Each Week Beginning September 24

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – July 27 – Hallmark Channel, the nation’s favorite television destination for holiday programming, presents the second season of “Fall Harvest,” a special seasonal event featuring four new, original Hallmark Channel world premiere movies throughout the month of October. The announcement was made today to a semi-annual gathering of the Television Critics Association in Beverly Hills. The movie presentations will include some of television’s most popular stars, including: Ashley Williams; Marilu Henner; Rachael Leigh Cook; James Denton.

“This year’s new fall movie line up continues the Hallmark Channel tradition of celebrating love, laughter and family, and will do so with content that is rich in the look and feel that is distinctively fall,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming, Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.

UPDATED PREMIERE DATES!

“Seeds of Love,” Saturday, October 1, (9 p.m. ET/PT) on Hallmark Channel starring Ashley Williams, Trevor Donovan, Marilu Henner. Aimie Roarke (Williams) is always up for a cause, whether it’s helping a local animal shelter or hosting a bake sale for the Fire Department. When the town’s beloved oak tree is set to be cut down, she takes it upon herself try and save it. When the Mayor hires Kyle Sorenson, a handsome new landscaper to cut it down, she decides the only way to save the tree is to chain herself to it. As Kyle attempts to out wait her, the two start to spend more time together, they find the old tree brings them both more than they could have imagined in life and love.

“Pumpkin Pie Wars,” Saturday, October 8 (9 p.m. ET/PT) starring XXX. A modern-day Romeo & Juliet story with a happy ending. Faye McKenzie and Lydia Harper have led a small family feud for years with the pumpkin bake-off at the annual Drum County Harvest Festival. This year, the bake-off duties are being passed to the kids—Carrie and Sam. But things get complicated when Cassie and Sam unexpectedly fall head over heels in love with each other and embark on a secret romance. Their attempts to help their families see the error of their ways and mend the rift between families, makes this year’s pumpkin pie contest the most riveting ever.

“Autumn in the Vineyard,” Saturday, October 15 (9 p.m. ET/PT) on Hallmark Channel starring Rachael Leigh Cook. Frankie Baudouin is determined to turn Sorrento Ranch into an award-winning winery and Nate DeLuca shares the same dream. But they don’t exactly have a trusting relationship ever since Nate embarrassed her with a kiss in front of the entire town. So when Nate finds himself forced to corporate with Frankie in order to make their dreams come true, sparks fly.

“Good Witch Halloween,” Saturday, October 22 (9 p.m. ET/PT) starring Catherine Bell, Bailee Madison, and James Denton. Middleton gets transformed into a town where "it's always the day before Halloween" when the author of a series of magic-and-romance-filled novels comes to Grey House to celebrate the release of her newest book, "The Enchantress Unites." But it's Cassie (Bell) who ends up doing the uniting, bringing together the people of Middleton to stage the special event (and helping the author find love of her own) while also coming to a special realization about Sam (Denton).

*EXCERPT via Hallmark Press Release:

HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES ANNOUNCES
SLATE OF FIVE NEW ORIGINAL WORLD PREMIERE MOVIES
FOR FALL 2016

BEVERLY HILLS, CA, July 27 – Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, the premiere television destination for thrilling mysteries and poignant dramas, will present a slate of five new, original world premiere movies on its Fall 2016 program schedule. Cable television’s fastest-growing network unveiled plans for new movie installments of its returning popular mystery franchises as well as new, original dramatic movies. The announcement was made today to a semi-annual gathering of the Television Critics Association in Beverly Hills.

In addition, the network will premiere the new original movies “The Irresistible Blueberry Farm” starring Alison Sweeney, Marc Blucas and Shirley Jones; “Hailey Dean Mystery: Murder, with Love” (wt) from executive producer Nancy Grace based on characters from her upcoming novel and starring Kellie Martin; and the previously announced “J.L. Family Ranch” starring Jon Voight, James Caan, Melanie Griffith and Teri Polo.

“The ratings success of Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ original content has driven the tremendous growth of Hallmark Movies & Mysteries and continues to demonstrate that there is a strong appetite for compelling mysteries and intelligent dramas with poignantly woven storylines,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Publicity.

Following are descriptions of the new original movies announced today:

“Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Lost Without You” – Sunday, September 25 (9 p.m. ET/PT) Stars: Eric Mabius (“Ugly Betty”), Kristin Booth (“Orphan Black”), Crystal Lowe (“Smallville”), Geoff Gustafson (“Primeval: New World”) A battered package turns up in a prop mailbox on the set of a Denver-based commercial, prompting Oliver O’ Toole (Mabius), strait-laced leader of a team of postal detectives, to open an investigation to track down its intended recipient. Working closely with technophile Shane McInerney (Booth), free-spirited “girl next door” Rita Haywith (Lowe) and research expert Norman Dorman (Gustafson), Oliver learns that the package contains a bucket list, apparently meant to reach someone nearing life’s end. But before Oliver can immerse himself in the investigation, Shane — who shares a blossoming romance with Oliver — convinces him to take an uncharacteristic break from his work and join his father, Joe, on a rustic camping excursion. Meanwhile, Norman and Rita embark on an out-of-state road trip, attempting to deliver the lost package to its rightful destination.

Before Ellen’s grandmother and long-time confidant Ruth (Jones) passed away, she asked Ellen (Sweeney) to deliver a mysterious letter to a man owning a blueberry farm. After the funeral, Ellen walks along an old dock contemplating her grandmother’s request when the dock breaks under her feet. After plunging into the water, she quickly gets caught in a strong current and is swept to sea — only to be rescued by a handsome stranger (Blucas). After Ellen recovers, she sets out on her grandmother’s mission and unravels the mysterious love story her grandmother left behind.

San Francisco homicide detective Maggie Price (Burns) and former, world-class chef Henry Ross (Neal) are on the case once again. The crime-solving odd couple investigates the murder of Henry’s friend, a well-known local chef found dead in his kitchen. As they begin to unravel an old family secret, Maggie has to stay one step ahead of a mysterious man in the shadows who appears to be stalking her, while her blossoming relationship with Henry is threatened by the arrival of an ex-love from Maggie’s past.

Aurora Teagarden (Bure) is a beautiful young librarian with a passion for solving murders. After an exhaustive search for the perfect home, Aurora finally purchases her dream house, unaware of its murky history. As she prepares to move in, Aurora discovers that the family who once lived there mysteriously disappeared without a trace. “Hailey Dean Mystery: Murder, with Love” (wt) – Sunday, October 23 (9 p.m. ET/PT) Stars: Kellie Martin (“Mystery Woman,” “Hello It’s Me”) Portrayed by Martin, Hailey Dean (Martin) is a bright, disciplined and acutely observant former prosecutor who has found a new way to help others when she becomes a therapist. Always motivated to get to the heart of the truth, Hailey suspects foul play when one of her patients’ parents tragically dies. Hailey finds herself invested in uncovering the truth and is aided by her two secret weapons: telegenic good looks and a generous supply of charm.

*EXCERPT via Hallmark Press Release:

HALLMARK CHANNEL ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT
OF FIRST TWO HALLMARK HALL OF FAME MOVIE PREMIERES
TO BE PRODUCED UNDER ITS CROWN MEDIA PRODUCTIONS BANNER

Hallmark Hall of Fame is Most Award-Winning Series in Television History

BEVERLY HILLS, CA, July 27 – Hallmark Channel announces the first two films in development for the storied Hallmark Hall of Fame, the most award-winning series in the history of television. “Christmas Angel in Training” will have its world premiere on the network, November 28 (8 p.m. ET/PT), as part of Hallmark Channel’s “Countdown to Christmas” event. “Love Lock,” part of “Countdown to Valentine’s Day” event, will have its world premiere on Hallmark Channel in February, 2017. Announcement of the new, original movies was made to the semi-annual gathering of the Television Critics Association in Beverly Hills, CA.

"Christmas Angel in Training" tells the story of the untimely death of a workaholic who never put much value into personal relationships or the joys of Christmas who finds herself recruited to be a Christmas Angel even though she hasn’t participated in seasonal traditions on earth in a very long time. She is assigned a hard luck case, though she has little success in helping her charge find joy, happiness, and peace – until she begins to discover these things within herself.

“Love Lock” tells the story of Hannah, a young woman who discovers that the love padlocks sweethearts have placed on a famous bridge in Paris will be torn down, and so she returns to the City of Lights to retrieve her parents lock. Unbeknownst to her parents, Hannah and her boyfriend had also placed a lock on the bridge, but they broke up soon after. Never understanding the reason for the breakup, Hannah travels to Paris and discovers her boyfriend is engaged to another.

I hope you all have enjoyed all the pictures and information on upcoming Hallmark Movies! Which ones are your favorites? And, which ones are you looking forward to seeing?!?!?

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Since 'Summer Villa' first premiered on the Hallmark Channel, Saturday night (July 23, 2016), I have been hearing wonderful feedback, raving reviews - on how much everyone enjoyed this newest Hallmark Movie. "Instant favorite", I have heard many say!

image via: Hallmark Crown Media

From the start, I felt the story could have easily been one of those great old cinema classics that we now only see on TCM, in the style of, perhaps, Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. Loving those classic movies as I do, I was instantly drawn into'Summer Villa' starring two of Hallmark's favorites - Hilarie Burton ('Surprised by Love') and Victor Webster ('The Magic Stocking').

And, now there seems to be the possibility that 'Summer Villa' may sequel into 'Christmas Villa'!!!

The very first sign of this potentially taking place was discovered by - Sherry in California, who mentioned it to me back in May!, when she noticed Christmas Villa mentioned in an Instagram post, while the cast was filming #SummerVilla!

image via: Instagram
Quote: "Next time I'll be there for Christmas Villa!"

Then, after the premiere of 'Summer Villa', Lisa C. from the Hallmark Facebook Fan Group, shared she discovered a tweet from entertainment reporter Rachael Ellenbogen, who shared some exciting news on 'Christmas Villa'!

(By the way, for those who may not know, OTH stands for 'One Tree Hill', which was a popular drama television series from 2003 to 2012. Hilarie Burton was one of the cast members who recently reunited for a fan convention.)

So... that is the news we know, so far, on Christmas Villa! Gauging on how much everyone loved 'Summer Villa'... I'm sure a sequel would be most welcome into everyone's homes - this Christmas!!!

ABOUT ME

Hello Blog Friends & Followers! My Nickname is Net and more than Anything, I love my Savior, Jesus, and my precious Family! It's my joy to share and review Movies here on this Blog ~ that the entire Family can watch together on TV! Thank YOU so much for stopping by, Please leave a Comment... I enjoy hearing from You! ~ Net

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